Next generation offshore wind turbines

The past few years have been notable for the launch of a number of new generation offshore turbines. Predominantly, these are set to come into production around 2015 in time for the UK's 33GW Round 3 offshore projects.

Windpower Monthly technical writer Eize de Vries has examined these new products and spoken to the designers

This year, Vestas, Alstom, GE and Nordex have all unveiled plans for next-generation offshore wind turbines. Now Siemens Wind Power can add its name to the list with the SWT-6.0 120 its new 6MW direct drive product. WIndpower Monthly technical writer Eize de Vries went to the company’s Brande headquarters to speak with and get an exclusive introduction to the wind turbine via Siemens chief technology officer Henrik Stiesdal.

GERMANY: Repower's 6M offshore turbine aims to build on the success of its 5MW predecessor, one of the largest at its launch in 2004. Eize de Vries climbs into a prototype to see what makes these big turbines different from their competitors and weighs up the company's plans.

Condor Wind Energy, based in the UK, is at an advanced stage of developing a two-bladed, 5 MW offshore wind turbine aimed at substantially driving down costs of energy compared to current three-bladed designs.

Armed with a 6MW direct-drive turbine and budget for two manufacturing centres, Alstom has big plans for the offshore wind sector. Windpower Monthly technical writer Eize de Vries spoke with Alstom Wind's vice president for Offshore Frédéric Hendrick about key challenges, technology and other choices aimed at becoming a leading offshore wind-industry player.